Unpacking knowledge translation in participatory research: a micro-level study

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Knowledge Translation
• Translational Science

Background:

• Stakeholders seek improved strategies for translating research into practice.
• Participatory research involves clinicians to enhance research relevance and usability.
• Understanding knowledge integration in research-practice collaborations is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how knowledge is translated and integrated during participant discussions.
• To identify patterns and barriers in the knowledge translation process between researchers and clinicians.

Main Methods:

• Observation of 12 collaboration meetings between researchers and clinicians.
• Recording and analysis of discussions using terms like knowledge object, form, position, and tasks.

Main Results:

• A rhetorical pattern termed 'relevance testing' was identified, aiming to create coherence across contexts.
• This strategy can reinforce a 'two-communities' divide, separating clinician and researcher rationales.
• The 'translational work' often remains implicit, lacking explicit conceptual tools for participants.

Conclusions:

• Findings increase awareness of translational processes and their inherent challenges.
• Provides a framework and language to address barriers in knowledge translation.
• Highlights the need for explicit conceptual tools to facilitate effective research-practice integration.